Back to normal

Sunday, March 17, 2013
After a few days out of town with my mother and youngest daughter, it's good to be home again.  As much as I enjoy eating out, I always like being in my own kitchen and making the simple foods that we all like best.

This black bean and sweet potato quesadilla fit the bill perfectly.  It isn't too big, but it's filling and full of great flavours.  Best of all, it's really simple; it's easy to make the filling in advance, then assemble the quesadillas right at mealtime.

It's good to be home again, especially when mealtime is this easy and this good!


Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas
(adapted from Pepper Lynn)

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 finely chopped onion
kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tin canned black beans, drained and rinsed (about 1 cup of beans)
1 cup mashed, cooked sweet potato (I roasted mine)
1 tsp cumin powder
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
6 - 8" whole wheat tortillas
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
sour cream
salsa

Instructions

Swirl the olive oil in a skillet that has been heated over medium heat.  Add the onions and a pinch of salt, and saute 3 - 4 minutes until the onions start to soften.  Add the minced garlic and cook about 5 minutes more until the onion just starts to brown.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sauteed onion and garlic with the black beans, mashed sweet potato, cumin and crushed red pepper flakes.  Stir until well-combined, then add additional salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.  Scoop about 1/3 cup of the black bean and sweet potato mixture and spread it evenly on half of a tortilla.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese over the filling and fold the tortilla in half.  Repeat with remaining filling and tortillas.  Cook for about 3 minutes per side until nicely browned.  Serve with sour cream and salsa.

31 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

Home is the best!
Your quesadillas look delish and packed with flavours.

Natalie Aguirre said...

It's always great to be home. And I bet your family missed you, including your awesome cooking. Thanks for another great recipe.

Kitchen Riffs said...

I know what you mean about being in your own kitchen. We enjoy eating out, but don't do it all that much - what we make often is so much better. Or perhaps just more to our taste. Like this dish - I love it! Anything with sweet potatoes gets my attention, and although I've used them in chili, I haven't tried them in Mexican food. Great idea! Thanks.

Inger @ Art of Natural Living said...

This does look quick and tasty--and seriously healthy!

Belinda said...

Yeah, it is always a comfort in ones kitchen!

Anonymous said...

Oh WOW, you are speaking my language here! So much I love in one quesadilla: black beans, sweet potatoes, and cheese. This is a simple meal, but sounds so delicious.

Anonymous said...

Yum! Great to have you back!

Jemi Fraser said...

I've never had luck with sweet potatoes - maybe if I try it this way...

Barbara said...

Lovely combination, Beth. All flavors I love.
With all your travels, returning home is an old friend for you. I don't travel that much anymore, but when I do, it's always with new eyes.
Do you find that true?

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

YUM, i love simple, healthy, fresh meals like this one, especially after traveling (and dining out a lot) for a couple days. Looks delicious!

Jessica Lawson said...

Yum :) I love traveling and visiting family, but you're right--there's something to be said about getting back to your own home and kitchen. This dish looks great!

Valerie Gamine said...

Hurray for routine (and our beloved kitchens!). :D I'll have two quesadillas, please!

Food Gal said...

There's no place like home -- especially with comfort food to enjoy. ;)

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

I would love to eat this my friend, I need some comfort food right now :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Cooking Quidnunc said...

Yum, a simple and healthy dish!

Anonymous said...

This sounds delicious! I always enjoy being back in my kitchen after being out of town.

Kittie Howard said...

It's always fun to go and it's always fun to get home. And that dish is a perfect welcome home treat.

Monet said...

Home always feels so good, doesn't it? And this quesadilla looks like home to me. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you have a blessed week full of good food, good friends, and much laughter.

Julie said...

Yum! What a delicious take on quesadilla's. Pinning this one to make soon! It's always good to get him. I miss sleeping in my own bed. :)

Stina said...

I'm not a fan of beans, but I do love yams! :D

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I do imagine these flavors compliment each other. Sounds unusual to me and tasty too!

Unknown said...

Home cooked meals are the best, even though we like a break from cooking sometimes... I am a fan of sweet potatoes and black beans so sign me up for for one of these quesadillas ;-)

Katerina said...

I know exactly what you mean! I sometimes when I eat out a lot, I recollect my kitchen and my homey food! Perfect quesadilla!

grace said...

black beans and sweet potatoes go together quite nicely, and that thrills me because i love both! this is a quick and delicious meal idea. :)

Joanne said...

I love coming home to simple foods after being away! They just hit the spot. Sweet potato and black beans are so great together!

Jennifer Kendall said...

i love this idea for a simple meal - i'm just starting to get more into beans so i'm on the lookout for new ways to try them!

Andrea_TheKitchenLioness said...

Beth, what a wonderful meal to be preparing in your own kitchen - the recipe sounds delightful and like true family style comfort food!
Have a great Wednesday!

Nas said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe. Looks so good.

Claudia said...

Isn't this one of the reasons why we love coming home? Just simple goodness.

Amy said...

What a delicious treat. I agree with you, it's the best to prepare something simple and scrumptious at home...especially after dinning out. ;) I love your flavorful Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas!

Kristin Lenz said...

Yum! How am I only now discovering your blog? Looking forward to reading more!

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